Cosmoprof Asia celebrated its 20th anniversary during its recent 2015 show at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Nov. 11-13. The beauty show saw record visitor and exhibitor numbers, with 63,241 visitors from 119 countries and regions (a 5.5% increase over last year), of which 40,761 came from outside of Hong Kong (up 7% compared to 2014). There was also a significant increase in visitors from the United States and Europe, including Austria, France, Poland, Portugal and Sweden, as well as from emerging markets, such as Chile, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam.
“Cosmoprof Asia 2015 hosted 2,504 exhibiting companies from 46 countries, which is an increase of 6% compared to last year, with an exhibition area of more than 84,000 square meters, a 3% expansion”, said Michael Duck, director of Cosmoprof Asia Ltd. “Every year, we are witnessing a growth in the show, which confirms its importance for the Asian beauty industry.”
The international flavor was strong with the participation of 22 national and group pavilions, which included the largest-ever Korean pavilion (a collection of 212 companies across 2,696 square meters) as well as the first-timer Chile.
“Cosmoprof Asia is the main focal point for the international beauty industry as we continue to invest in the growth of the show with a focus on the Chinese market,” said Duccio Campagnoli, president of Cosmoprof Asia Ltd.
The 2015 edition of Cosmoprof Asia marked the show's 20th edition, since it's debut. In light of its longevity, Italy and the USA were recognized as ‘Countries of Honour’ (Watch Here) for their dedicated support and contribution toward the growth of the show. Italy, with the support of Ministry of Economic Development and ICE – Italian Trade Agency, in collaboration with Cosmetica Italia, organized 107 Italian companies in a dedicated area of 2,338 square meters. The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors supported the participation of 90 companies from the United States occupying 1,867 square meters. ICMAD president and CEO Pamela J. Busiek joined BolognaFiere CEO and president Duccio Campagnoli, and UBM Asia executive vice president Michael Duck in opening the show on Nov. 11 at the Hong Kong Convention Centre with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
"We have all watched Cosmoprof Asia successfully grow. Companies of all sizes, large and small, have found great opportunity to grow their business on the Asian continent through the business platform Cosmoprof Asia has offered," said Busiek. "The exposure and networking opportunities, along with the exhibitor and attendee quality, have produced a successful formula to advance many companies and improve business opportunities. Our exhibiting and attending companies over the 20 years say, 'thank you!'"
Highlights from the three-day event included live demonstrations and seminars, as well as the show's inaugural Match & Meet program, an online business-matching platform designed to facilitate meetings between key visitors and exhibitors. The Spot on Beauty section, consisting of 3,700 square meters, was dedicated to companies focused on finished products for the spa & wellness, hair, nail, cosmetics & personal-care sectors. And, as part of Spot on Beauty, the show presented the second edition of Boutique, its charitable initiative, which this year was dedicated to The Women’s Foundation, founded in 2004 to help women in Hong Kong who suffer from domestic violence and social discrimination. At Boutique, visitors got to select seven travel-size products from the participating companies for a small cash donation. The technical sponsor was HCP Packaging Hong Kong Limited, which produced the gift box.
The Spot On Beauty Forum, which was a free event, focused on beauty trends and Asian market development. Twelve discussions were held, providing visitors with unique insight into the topical issues facing the industry. Particularly well-attended were the sessions focusing on men’s fashion and grooming trends for Spring/Summer 2016, perfumery trends in Asia and the future of natural and organic cosmetics in Asia. Other popular sessions included “Indonesia Ethno Wellness Spa” and the “Cosmetic Market Update – Japan, Korea and China.”
In addition, a new initiative was introduced called Discover Trends. This area offered visitors innovative products from the three fastest-growing segments of the cosmetic industry: natural & organic, baby care and men’s care. Twenty-six companies from nine countries took part.
Last but not least, the International Nail Days, where leading nail professionals shared their knowledge, best practices and forecasts for the nail sector, had well-known nail artists present the latest news and trends for colors, decorations and technologies of the future.
The 2016 edition will be held strategically across two venues: From Nov. 15-17 at the AsiaWorld-Expo, will be exhibitors of ingredients, machinery & equipment, packaging, contract manufacturing and private label; and from Nov. 16-18 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre will be all finished products: cosmetics & toiletries, natural health, beauty salon, hair salon, nail and accessories.
[Image courtesy of Cosmoprof Asia]